CALL FOR ACTION FROM THE CONSERVATION COMMUNITY OF MOZAMBIQUE

Issued: 17 May 2025

Conservation areas in Mozambique cover 29% of the country's land area. The conservation community includes non-governmental organizations, state institutions, local associations, community partners, and private sector conservation investors. In addition to biodiversity conservation, this community provides benefits for 100,000s of people living within and around the conservation areas with combined investments of a minimum of $450 million in the past ten years alone.

We, the undersigned members of this conservation community of Mozambique — representing an annual investment of over USD 59 million, employing more than 3000 Mozambicans, and benefiting over 97 000 people through livelihoods, education, health, and conservation-linked benefits:

RECOGNIZE THAT:

Mozambique’s protected areas are national and global assets of ecological, cultural, and economic importance, and must be safeguarded from violence, exploitation, and insecurity.

The conservation sector plays a critical role in national development and international cooperation, contributing to regional stability, rural employment, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.

Peace and security in and around protected areas are fundamental to human wellbeing, national prosperity, and Mozambique’s broader development ambitions.

WE EXPRESS OUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT:

We stand firmly behind the Government of Mozambique in its role as custodian of the nation’s natural heritage, guarantor of public safety, and advocate for sustainable economic development. We remain committed to working in close partnership with national, provincial, and local authorities to strengthen conservation outcomes and shared prosperity.

AND CALL FOR JOINT ACTION TO ENSURE:

• Immediate and decisive investigation and response by the State be taken to the recent security incidents in conservation areas, including the attacks on Chapungo-Kambako Safaris Main Camp and Mariri Environmental and Skills Training Centre in Niassa Special Reserve, Niassa Province, in April 2025.

• Conservation efforts should be recognised and safeguarded as a matter of national security interest—not undermined by instability or impunity—providing the critical foundation for human well-being, economic growth, and climate resilience.

• That government and law enforcement authorities guarantee the safety of conservation workers and local communities living within or near protected areas and will respond accordingly in the event of and for the duration of an emergency, but with a firm commitment to well-funded, well-trained, and wellequipped anti-poaching scouts under the jurisdiction of ANAC as the primary protectors of communities and biodiversity.

• That safe, fair, and enabling working conditions be actively supported for all individuals and organisations working to advance conservation in Mozambique — recognising that this goes beyond physical security to include equitable treatment, adequate institutional backing, and a supportive working environment for all partners.

• Stronger and ongoing coordination be established between the State and conservation partners to prevent future attacks, ensure accountability, and uphold the rule of law within protected areas.

• That any threats or attacks on conservation areas be treated with the same seriousness as those directed at other national strategic infrastructure.

WE REAFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT:

We reaffirm our commitment to the Government of Mozambique in its efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and environmentally secure nation. We will continue to work in respectful partnership with government, local leadership, and communities — and we believe this shared commitment must be matched by joint action to protect those working every day to build a sustainable future for Mozambique.

Signed, The Conservation Community of Mozambique

Signed by:

• African Parks

• Buffalo Adventures, Niassa

• Cabassa Safaris

• Chapunga-Kambako Safaris

• Chuilexi Conservancy

• Endangered Wildlife Trust

• Fauna and Flora

• Fundação Likhulu

• Fondation Francois Sommer

• Frankfurt Zoological Society

• Incomati Conservancy

• Lipilichi Wilderness

• Luwire Conservancy

• Maputo Conservation Company

• Mariri Investimentos

• Mashambanzou Safaris

• Mozambique Conservation Foundation

• Mozambique Wildlife Adventures

• Mozambique Wildlife Alliance

• NATURA Moçambique

• Niassa Carnivore Project

• Peace Parks Foundation

• Rio Save Safaris

• Rob Harris (Niassa-Selous Wildlife Corridor)

• S.E.M, Lda (Metapiri)

• Sabie Game Park

• Safaris de Mocambique

• Still Standing

• Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary

• Yambone Project